Adhere to rule of law: Chinese Ambassador to SA urges Africa

China's Ambassador to South Africa, Lin Songtian, emphasized the importance of adhering to the rule of law to enhance China-Africa relations and foster justice and shared interests. Ambassador Lin highlighted President Xi Jinping's commitment to the African continent, citing eight separate visits as evidence of China's dedication. During President Xi's first state visit outside of China, he chose to visit South Africa, the Republic of Congo, and Tanzania to reinforce the significance of the partnership between China and Africa. President Xi introduced a new approach to relations with Africa, emphasizing sincerity, practical results, mutual benefit, and justice. This approach underscores the mutual commitment to both friendship and adherence to the rule of law, ensuring justice and the promotion of shared interests. Ambassador Lin stressed the importance of combining Chinese and African development efforts to achieve win-win cooperation for common prosperity. He emphasized the need for a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Africa, noting that this goal benefits not only the region but the entire world. Moreover, Ambassador Lin expressed China's willingness to collaborate with the international community to support Africa's progress and development. In terms of specific development initiatives in West Africa, Ambassador Lin highlighted China's significant contributions to combatting the Ebola outbreak in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. China was the first country to provide critical aid and support to the affected countries, playing a leading role in the global response effort. He also noted China's investment and development projects in countries like Guinea and Nigeria, showcasing the positive impact of Chinese cooperation in stimulating economic growth and infrastructure development. In Guinea, China's involvement in the construction of the Kaloum dam has significantly improved access to electricity for the population, laying the groundwork for further industrialization and economic growth. The upcoming completion of a second dam project in Guinea will not only enhance domestic electricity capacity but also create opportunities for electricity export, boosting the country's economic prospects. Ambassador Lin praised the progress made in Western African countries like Senegal and Guinea under visionary leadership, highlighting the potential for continued growth and development with China's support. He also commended Nigeria's leadership and expressed confidence in the country's future economic prospects, noting substantial investments and projects planned or underway with Chinese cooperation amounting to billions of US dollars. Overall, Ambassador Lin's insights underscore the mutual benefits of China-Africa cooperation and the potential for sustained progress and prosperity through adherence to the rule of law and shared commitment to development.